General Counsel Commission Special Meeting – October 19, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:33 p.m., but the metadata for this summary specifies the date as October 19, 2026. The content below reflects the October 15 meeting.

The General Counsel Commission (GCC) of Middletown convened a special meeting to discuss and vote on several items. Major topics included a smoking prohibition ordinance, an open burning ordinance, restructuring of the payroll department, and a staffing memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the fire department. Public comment was heard on the smoking ordinance. Updates on recruitment for the Director of Public Works, the Baker Tilly wage study, and a vacancy report were also provided.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes of April 26, 2026, were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident (name unspecified) spoke against the proposed total smoking ban, urging the commission to adjust the ordinance to include designated smoking areas. He cited personal freedom and addiction, and noted his previous testimony at the Public Safety Committee. He argued a total ban would force smokers into their cars or out of town.
• Miriam (representing St. Vincent DePaul, 617 Main Street) spoke in favor of the smoking ordinance as drafted, stating that as a non-smoker she experiences litter and nuisance issues, especially in the North End. She expressed concerns that designated smoking areas would present maintenance and resource challenges and therefore supported the ban as stated.
• Additional individuals were present for later agenda items (fire marshal for open burn, police captain for smoking ordinance) but did not speak during public comment.

Discussion Items

Payroll Department Restructuring (Item 4D, Moved to Top)

• Mayor Lassara expressed support for creating new positions (including an Assistant Director) to address workload, succession planning, and staff retention. He noted the need to find revenue to fund the positions.
• Finance Director Urlacher spoke passionately in support of two employees, Nicole Carr (payroll) and Joanna, citing their dedication and long hours. He suggested that race may be a factor in the delay of their promotions and noted that Carr would be the first Black female director in the city. He called for prompt action.
• Councilwoman Salafia voiced frustration that the commission was asked to discuss the matter without job descriptions in hand. The mayor responded that three job descriptions were completed that afternoon (October 15) and would be ready for review by November.
• Chair Blackwell acknowledged the concerns about equity and the need for a fair process. The commission explored the possibility of a special meeting to consider the job descriptions once the financial impact is calculated.

Open Burning Ordinance

• Fire Marshal James Mastroliani (South Fire District), joined by Fire Marshal Scott Kotowski (Westfield) and Deputy Fire Marshal Paul Brandt, presented a new ordinance to replace the current 30-year-old rule that only allowed barbecues. The new ordinance would permit recreational burning (fire pits, chimineas) under state and DEEP guidelines, with restrictions on processed wood and distance (15 feet from property lines and structures). The goal is to reduce neighbor disputes and 911 abuse.
• Council members asked clarifying questions about wood types, distances, and enforcement. The ordinance was approved unanimously.

Smoking Prohibition Ordinance (Articles 3 and 4)

• Attorney Smith presented the proposed ordinance, which prohibits smoking tobacco or cannabis and use of electronic nicotine/cannabis delivery systems in all public spaces owned or controlled by the city and in outdoor dining establishments. He also presented Article 4, which allows the city to seek civil penalties (up to $30,000 per day) against illegal cannabis sellers and landlords.
• Captain Puro explained the police department’s support, noting that current law only allows enforcement within 25 feet of businesses. The ordinance provides a tool to address quality-of-life complaints, similar to the public drinking ordinance.
• Key Clarifications: Attorney Smith clarified that the state requirement to designate smoking areas applies only to cannabis when a municipality’s population exceeds 50,000, not to tobacco. He also noted that the authority to ban vaping of tobacco is less clear and suggested removing that provision.
• Council Discussion: Councilwoman Salafia made a motion to add language requiring the city to designate smoking areas for both tobacco and cannabis. The motion carried (Chair Blackwell voting “nay” due to concerns about operationalizing it).
• A subsequent motion to move the ordinance (with the new language) to the full Common Council for further discussion and a vote in November carried.

SAFER Grant Staffing MOU

• Fire Chief Albert presented a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the fire union to change the minimum staffing level from 15 to 16 firefighters per shift (and minimum per shift from 12 to 13) to reduce overtime. The MOU is a condition of the SAFER grant, and the four new firefighters are set to graduate on December 11. The MOU was approved unanimously.

Recruitment Update – Director of Public Works

• Maria Scarlett reported on the recruitment campaign for the Director of Public Works. The city used targeted platforms, including a diverse engineering network, and received six qualified applicants. A panel interview process is being finalized with a meeting with the mayor scheduled for October 20.

Baker Tilly Wage Study Update

• Director Justin Richardson updated the commission on a request from a council committee to update the Baker Tilly wage study data from 2025 to 2027. He contacted Baker Tilly to obtain a cost estimate for the update. Because the initial contract has been completed, a re-engagement contract will be required.

Vacancy Report

• Director Richardson provided a comprehensive status of city vacancies, including positions that have been filled or are in the recruitment process. Several previously restored positions have been filled. Notable updates include progress on civilian dispatcher, public works director, and water and sewer positions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes of April 26, 2026; new open burning ordinance; SAFER grant MOU adjusting firefighter minimum staffing.
• Amended Smoking Ordinance: Added language requiring designated smoking areas for tobacco and cannabis. The amended ordinance was moved to the full Common Council for further discussion in November.
• Payroll Positions: Three job descriptions completed; commission will consider a special meeting to act on them once financial impacts are ready.
• Next Steps: Obtain cost estimate from Baker Tilly for wage study updates; finalize panel for Director of Public Works interviews; smoking ordinance to be sponsored and debated at the November Council meeting.